Chicago Tribune
- Somewhat Recommended
"...There are some talented actors in director Mikael Burke's Shattered Globe production, which features Demetra Dee, Daria Harper, Jazzma Pryor, Diego Vazquez Gomez, Glenn Obrero, Jeff Rodriguez, William Anthony Sebastian Rose II and Penelope Walker. And Burke is a creative and skilled director."
Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...While Pelsue?s text occasionally equivocates in attempting to elicit sympathy for both revolutionaries and aristocrats, Burke?s character-driven direction and the stellar ensemble warrant even-handedness. Played on a sparse stage with a spectacular mirrored backdrop designed by Eleanor Kahn and Milo Bue, all eight cast members play several roles, spearheaded by Shattered Globe ensemble member Daria Harper as an Our Town-esque narrator."
Chicago Stage and Screen
- Highly Recommended
"...Director Mikael Burke has assembled a strong ensemble of only 8 actors, each numbered and not character named, on the simple and striking candlelit set by Eleanor Kahn and Milo Bue to represent throngs and all of London and Paris (with a bit of French countryside thrown in for good measure). It is a testament and masterful adherent to the concept of less is more."
Around The Town Chicago
- Recommended
"...For those who are unfamiliar with the story it is about the gap between rich and poor, democracy, men and women, power, privilege, and politics. While the original story was written over 150 years ago ( think French Revolution), you will find yourself thinking how relative much of this is today. The lighting ((Eric Watkins) and sound (Christopher Kriz) work perfectly with the production and the props by Ab Rieve worked to perfection. Kriz original music truly added to the overall picture being painted by Peisue and Burke. Since this was a period piece, the costumes were of great importance and Kotryna Hilko did a masterful job."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...Be prepared. This isn't a short version of Charles Dickens' classic novel, but, except for a few dense passages of dialogue, it's a brilliant adaptation and the time flies by. Director Mikael Burke's expert handling of Brendan Pelsue's intricately-detailed script is an artistic achievement. He wisely guides the development of a multitude of characters, paces the rise, fall and aftermath of the Revolution and makes good use of the entire performance space. Mr. Burke also constantly challenges the talents of his brilliant ensemble."
The Fourth Walsh
- Recommended
"...Charles Dickens' masterpiece spanned 18 years over 45 chapters separated into three books. His epic novel explored the class struggle and inequities leading up to The Reign of Terror. The story follows the intertwined lives of Dr. Manette, his daughter Lucie, and her husband Charles Darnay, as they are swept up in the chaos of the French Revolution. Their journey is full of characters pushing them into a climatic act of sacrifice and redemption."
Chicago Theater and Arts
- Highly Recommended
"...Charles Dickens' expose of the French Revolution produced by the Shattered Globe Theatre at the Wit is cleverly performed by a cast of eight and seems a little too close to home in today's political climate."
MaraTapp.org
- Highly Recommended
"...It is indeed the best of times and the worst of times in this reimagining of Charles Dickens' masterpiece A Tale of Two Cities. Shattered Globe's creative, spunky production captures the brilliance and moral depth of Dickens' masterpiece in a way that both honors and updates this classic."
